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Claims  |
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I claim:
1. A back support for removable installation to a bed, with the bed having at least a mattress and an underlying structure, said back support comprising:
a rigid frame formed of cylindrical tubular material and having a first and an opposite second end, a top and an opposite bottom member, and a bed facing side and an opposite side;
a first leg formed of cylindrical tubular material and an opposite second leg formed of cylindrical tubular material respectively depending from said first and said second end of said frame, for removably inserting between the mattress and
underlying structure of the bed, wherein each said leg is concentrically and pivotally secured respectively within said first and said second end of said frame, for pivoting each said leg coplanar with said frame for storage;
each said leg having a bend of substantially ninety degrees therein, for positioning said frame generally vertically with said bed facing side of said frame facing the bed when each said leg is extended horizontally between the mattress and
underlying structure of the bed;
a continuous, unbroken rigid panel secured to said bed facing side of said frame and extending completely thereover; and
said panel including a bed facing side and an opposite frame attachment side, with cushioning means disposed upon said bed facing side.
2. The back support of claim 1 wherein said cushioning means is removably secured to said bed facing side of said panel.
3. The back support of claim 2, wherein said cushioning means includes a bed facing side and at least one therapeutic article containment pocket is secured across said bed facing side of said cushioning means.
4. The back support of claim 1, wherein each said leg is telescopingly adjustable respectively within said first end and said second end of said frame, for adjusting the height of said frame relative to the mattress of the bed.
5. The back support of claim 1, including a carrying handle disposed about each said leg, each said carrying handle positioned adjacently to one another when each said leg is folded coplanar with said frame and latching means extending from one
said leg, for selectively securing about the other said leg for holding each said leg together and coplanar with said frame.
6. The back support of claim 1, including article storage means disposed upon said frame attachment side of said panel, said article storage means includes a plurality of spaced apart supports secured to said frame attachment side of said panel,
with an article storage compartment secured between each of said supports.
7. The back support of claim 6, wherein each said article storage compartment has an open bottom, and a closure panel is slidingly disposed across each said open bottom of each said article storage compartment for selective access thereto.
8. The back support of claim 1, including article storage means, and at least said panel and said article storage means are formed of plastic material.
9. A back support for removable installation to a bed, with the bed having at least a mattress and an underlying structure, said back support comprising:
a rigid frame having a first and an opposite second end, a top and an opposite bottom member, and a bed facing side and an opposite side;
a first and an opposite second leg respectively depending from said first and said second end of said frame, for removably inserting between the mattress and underlying structure of the bed, each said leg having a bend of substantially ninety
degrees therein, for positioning said frame generally vertically with said bed facing side of said frame facing the bed when each said leg is extended horizontally between the mattress and underlying structure of the bed;
a continuous, unbroken rigid panel secured to said bed facing side of said frame and extending completely thereover, said panel including a bed facing side and an opposite frame attachment side, with cushioning means disposed upon said bed facing
side; and
article storage means disposed upon said frame attachment side of said panel, said article storage means includes a plurality of spaced apart supports secured to said frame attachment side of said panel, with an article storage compartment
secured between each of said supports, each said article storage compartment has an open bottom, and a closure panel is slidingly disposed across each said open bottom of each said article storage compartment for selective access thereto.
10. A back support for removable installation to a bed, with the bed having at least a mattress and an underlying structure, said back support comprising:
a rigid frame having a first and an opposite second end, a top and an opposite bottom member, and a bed facing side and an opposite side;
a first and an opposite second leg respectively depending from said first and said second end of said frame, for removably inserting between the mattress and underlying structure of the bed;
each said leg having a bend of substantially ninety degrees therein, for positioning said frame generally vertically with said bed facing side of said frame facing the bed when each said leg is extended horizontally between the mattress and
underlying structure of the bed;
a plurality of evenly spaced, generally vertically disposed supports secured to said bed facing side of said frame;
a continuous, unbroken rigid panel secured across said plurality of supports opposite said frame, and extending completely over said supports;
a top member extending across said supports, said frame, and said panel; and
at least one article storage compartment disposed between each of said supports, said panel, and said top member, each said article storage compartment has an open bottom, a closure panel is slidingly disposed across each said open bottom of each
said article storage compartment for selective access thereto.
11. The back support of claim 10, wherein said panel includes a bed facing side and including a cushion removably secured to said bed facing side of said panel.
12. The back support of claim 11, wherein said cushion includes a bed facing side and at least one therapeutic article containment pocket is secured across said bed facing side of said cushion.
13. The back support of claim 10, wherein said frame, said first leg, and said second leg are formed of cylindrical tubular material.
14. The back support of claim 13, wherein each said leg is telescopingly adjustable respectively within said first end and said second end of said frame, for adjusting the height of said frame relative to the mattress of the bed.
15. The back support of claim 13, wherein each said leg is concentrically and pivotally secured respectively within said first and said second end of said frame, for pivoting each said leg coplanar with said frame for storage.
16. The back support of claim 15, including:
a carrying handle disposed about each said leg, each said carrying handle positioned adjacently to one another when each said leg is folded coplanar with said frame; and
latching means extending from one said leg, for selectively securing about the other said leg for holding each said leg together and coplanar with said frame.
17. The back support of claim 10, wherein at least said panel, said supports, said top member, and said article storage compartment are formed of plastic material.
18. The back support of claim 10, including cover means. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to physical therapeutic devices, and more specifically to a back support providing a generally vertical panel against which a person may rest his or her back. The panel includes an upholstered area with
provision for warm or cold packs and angled legs which may be placed beneath the mattress of a bed to support the panel properly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Back pain and stress are recurring problems for many people, and it can prove difficult to find appliances which are capable of relieving such pain and stress. Most back problems are relatively minor in nature (strained muscles, etc.), and do
not warrant intensive care or costly medical assistance. Nevertheless, the pain and suffering from such minor back problems is just as real, and perhaps just as painful, as more serious problems.
Accordingly, various devices have been developed in the past, with most being directed to support from beneath a person resting thereon. A few devices have been developed for persons resting in some other position, but most have not proven
completely satisfactory for various reasons (lack of provision for hot or cold packs, etc.). It is well established that many, if not most, people prefer to rest or sleep on their sides, rather than lying supine upon their backs. It can be quite
difficult to provide the desired support and/or warmth or cooling desired for a person with a back problem who is resting on his or her side, particularly with most existing therapeutic devices.
Accordingly, a need will be seen for a therapeutic back support for applying therapeutic pressure, warmth, and/or cold to the back of a person resting upon his or her side. The device includes anchor means comprising a pair of angled legs which
extend between the mattress and box spring of the bed to provide secure anchoring for the generally vertical back support panel. The panel includes a rigid panel or sheet, to which an upholstered pad is removably attached. The pad preferably includes a
plurality of pockets or pouches in which heating or cool packs may be provided as desired. Additional storage may be included with the device for storing small articles (liniment, etc.) as desired. A padded cover may be provided for additional comfort
and storage of the device.
A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,156,125 issued on Oct. 12, 1915 to Mattie E. Ahlborn, titled "Head And Back Rest," describes a flexible panel supported on three sides by a rigid frame. The frame includes a pair of lower supports which rest atop the mattress
or sheets of the bed, and a pair of upper supports extending from the upper crossmember of the frame, which hook over the top rail of the headframe of the bed. The device is thus disposed at an angle, from the top of the headframe downwardly to the
mattress at some distance from the headframe. Ahlborn does not provide any means of cantilever support for holding his support vertically along one edge of the bed, nor any means of holding warm or cold packs, as provided by the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,880 issued on Dec. 29, 1953 to James W. Meeks, titled "Collapsible Back Rest," describes an adjustable frame with a flexible sheet thereover. The frame rests atop the mattress of a bed and against the headframe or
headboard of the bed, to support the flexible sheet at some adjustable angle between the horizontal and the vertical. As in the case of the Ahlborn device discussed above, Meeks does not provide any means of cantilever attachment to the bed for a
vertical support surface, nor any means of holding a hot or cold pack or the like, both of which features are provided by the present back support invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,709,817 issued on Jun. 7, 1955 to Charles E. Poyer, titled "Back Rest For Convertible Couch Beds," describes a rack supported on the floor behind a convertible couch, with the couch having a standard bed width. The Poyer rack
includes a frame for holding the cushions away from the wall behind the convertible couch, for providing the proper width to the convertible couch when used as a couch. The device folds against the wall when the couch is converted to a bed. Poyer does
not provide any specific upholstered back support, other than the cushions of the couch itself, and does not provide for holding a heat or cold pack, as provided by the present invention. The Poyer device is not supported by the couch itself, but rests
on the floor, whereas the present support is cantilevered from the bed. Moreover, the Poyer frame does not provide vertical support for the cushions, whereas the present back support comprises a generally vertical panel.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,130,289 issued on Apr. 21, 1964 to Lawrence Katzman et al., titled "Collapsible Heating Pad For Travelling," describes an electrically powered heating pad which is adaptable for 110 or 220 volt power. While the present
invention might make use of an electrical heating pad, it is better adapted for other types of heating and cooling packs not requiring electrical energy, or at least not requiring an electrical cord, as does the Katzman et al. pad. Katzman does not
describe any form of back rest or support, as provided by the present back support invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,402,409 issued on Sep. 24, 1968 to Arthur F. Kain, titled "Child Guard," describes a device formed of two flat panels. The first panel is adapted for positioning between the mattress and box spring of a bed, and includes a
series of slots along the outer edge thereof. The second panel includes a series of tongues or extensions for removably installing in the slots of the first panel. When the first panel is disposed horizontally between the mattress and box spring, the
second panel extends generally vertically upwardly therefrom. However, the second panel will not remain normal to the first panel, as the slots will allow some arcuate play of the second panel relative to the first panel. The present invention provides
a rigid, tubular frame which holds the upper panel in a fixed relationship to the lower portion which extends between mattress and box spring.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,965 issued on Mar. 20, 1973 to Harry W. Wright, titled "Back Support," describes a device having an inclined upper portion adapted to rest against the headboard of a bed, with a lower flange for placing between the
headboard and upper mattress. The upper portion is not substantially vertical to the mattress, nor does it include any form of padding or cushioning, as provided by the present back support. Moreover, the Wright device cannot be retained along a
lateral edge of a bed, as Wright must rely upon some other closely adjacent bed structure (i.e., headboard) to prevent his support from sliding from the bed, unlike the present invention with its lower frame portion which is adapted for removable
insertion between mattress and box spring.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,968 issued on Apr. 30, 1974 to Edward Robey, titled "Orthopaedic Back Support Appliance," describes a device having a relatively large radius upper portion with a screw jack therebeneath. The device is inserted between
mattress and box spring, and the screw jack adjusted to provide the desired lift. The device provides lumbar support for a person resting on the mattress, or can provide support for the side of the torso between rib cage and hip for a person lying on
his or her side. However, Robey does not provide any upwardly extending, generally vertical panel for providing lateral support for a person resting in a bed, as provided by the present back support invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,031 issued on Sep. 21, 1976 to Louis L. Schacht, titled "Inclined Bedrest," describes a device having a plate for placing between mattress and box spring, with a storage area extending upwardly therefrom for holding the
bedrest frame. The frame extends from the storage area and is locked into place by a pair of arms which are swiveled to extend over the mattress. The distal ends of these arms also provide for holding the lower end of a sheet, which extends at an angle
downwardly from the upper edge of the frame to the distal ends of the arms. The Schacht device cannot provide a vertical support panel, as when the two arms are swiveled back to lie coplanar with the frame and storage area, the frame is unsupported and
retracts back into the storage area. Moreover, the light, flexible sheet of the Schacht device cannot provide rigid support, as provided by the rigid, vertical support panel of the present back support device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,751 issued on Aug. 8, 1978 to M. Steele Churchman, titled "Endboard Auxiliary Device For Beds," describes a device having a first panel for inserting between the mattress and box spring of a bed, with a second panel being
hinged to one edge of the first panel. The second panel is held upright by means of its extension below the first panel, where it levers against the box spring when an outward force is placed upon the upper portion thereof. Churchman does not disclose
any form of cushioning or padding for his device, nor any form of storage means therein, as provided by the present back support. Moreover, the tubular frame structure of the present back support is completely unlike the flat board structure of the
Churchman device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,326 issued on Jul. 29, 1980 to Donald C. Spann, titled "Body Positioner And Protection Apparatus," is describes a two piece resilient foam device comprising a generally triangular cross section lateral support with a bed
rail guard which is cut from the center of the larger triangular cross section piece. The Spann device does not cantilever from between mattress and box spring, as provided by the present back support, but must rely upon side rails of the bed to hold it
in position. Moreover, the Spann device cannot provide vertical lateral support, as provided by the present back support, due to the sloping rest surface of the Spann device. If the Spann device were turned around to position the vertical surface
toward the resting person, the vertical wall would be positioned close to the center of a standard bed, leaving practically no room for the resting person.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,342 issued on Jan. 29, 1980 to Raymond E. Young, titled "Portable, Adjustable Backrest For Beds And The Like," describes a relatively complex assembly having a base panel and an angularly adjustable panel hinged to one edge
of the base panel. An adjusting mechanism is installed between the two panels, with the adjustable support panel including a relatively large hump extending therefrom for clearance for the adjusting mechanism when the two panels are folded together.
The device cannot be positioned with the support panel at the edge of the bed, as provided by the present invention, as the lower panel of the Young device cannot be inserted between mattress and box spring due to the mechanism and relationship between
the two panels. The upper adjustable support panel of the Young device would thus be positioned well inwardly from the edge of the mattress, where it leaves relatively little room on the surface of the bed. The present support allows the entire upper
surface of the mattress to remain open and available for use.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,117 issued on May 17, 1988 to Helen I. Bond, titled "Prop-Like Positioning Device For Hemiside Reclining Persons," describes a device comprising a generally flat sheet having a bolster or the like stitched to one lateral
edge thereof and an opposite folded over edge for containing a relatively smaller bolster or padding. Straps are provided to secure the device to the top of the bed, with the user lying atop the device. Accordingly, Bond does not provide a rigid
cantilevered panel at the edge of the bed, as provided by the present back support.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,743 issued on May 30, 1989 to William R. Howell et al., titled "Bed Safety Side Rail," describes a device having a pair of legs which are inserted between box spring and mattress. A panel extends adjustably from the two
legs. The panel comprises a frame with a fabric covering, unlike the rigid panel material of the present back support. Such a rigid panel is desired for a back support, to provide the desired firmness. The Howell et al. panel may be arcuately adjusted
between a lowered and a raised position, with the raised position being substantially vertical. In contrast, the present back support has a frame which is rigid when the two legs are extended therefrom, thus insuring that the rigid support panel will
remain substantially vertical. Moreover, Howell et al. do not disclose any provision for holding a heating or cooling pad therein, nor for storing articles, both of which means are provided by the present back support.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,748 issued on Mar. 2, 1993 to Tina A. Garrison et al., titled "Infant Side Support Sleeper," describes a blanket or the like having a relatively long bolster stitched thereto at about one third of the width of the blanket,
and a generally round bolster opposite the long bolster, again stitched to the blanket at about one third the distance from the opposite edge. The flexible nature of the blanket precludes anchoring beneath the edge of the mattress and any provision for
a cantilevered panel, as provided by the present back support, and the two bolsters take up a considerable amount of space atop the bed and are unsuitable for a person much larger than an infant.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,067 issued on Aug. 1, 1995 to Michael S. Bernstein et al., titled "Bed Side Rails," describes a device somewhat like the side rail device of the Howell et al. '743 U.S. Patent discussed further above. The Bernstein et al.
side rail folds arcuately downwardly when released from its locked upright position, unlike the present back support. Bernstein et al. do not disclose any form of cushioning or padding on the vertical panel of their side rail, whereas such cushioning is
provided with the present device. Also, Bernstein et al. do not provide any means of folding the legs inwardly to lie essentially coplanar with the side panel for storage and carriage, as provided by the present back support. Other than provision for a
flashlight, Bernstein et al. do not provide any storage area with their side rail, whereas such storage means is provided in the present back support.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,199 issued on Aug. 13, 1996 to Gary C. Hudson, titled "Hot And Cold Therapeutic Pillow," describes a pillow having a hollow interior for the insertion of a hot or cold pack therein. No means of securing the device to a bed
or other structure for use as a back support, is disclosed by Hudson. While the present back support may make use of such hot and cold packs as mentioned by Huds | | |
